Foldable box and blank therefor



Nov. 3o, 1937. w. A. RINGLER n 2,100,755

FOLDABLE BOX AND BLANK THEREFOR Filed Nov. 25, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I le f a L f v ,19 ,/6 A?? y Je /3 9 /a el 52 3a 57 53 3f 55 5W 3 3f fw F I INVENTOR l l ATTORNEY Nov. 30, 1937. w. A. RINGLER 2,100,759

FOLDBLE BOX AND BLANK THEREFOR Filed NOV. 25, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 I l ,l 7^? fr? n l ,9 Y INVENTOR. 2@ waak@ W f ATTORNEY.

Nov. 30, 1937. w. A. RINGLER z 2,100,750

FOLDABLE BOX AND BLANK THEREFOR Filed Nv. 25, i932 4 sheets-sheet s A TTORNE Y.

Nov. 30, 1937. w. A. RlNGLER 2,100,750 n FOLDABLE BOX AND BLANK THEREFOR Filed Nov. 25, 1932 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /1 ,/{6' "/6/ -P Vgl i -ff'cf INVENTOR. W u t 2 1 Z ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 30, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Appucatinn'mvember 25,1932, seria1No.c44,3s5

4 Claims.

The object of this invention is todevisenovel constructions of foldable blanks which can` be formed from sheet material and which can be folded to provide collapsible .boxes which can be quickly assembled in box formation by moving opposite portions of the blanks inwardly and folding them into the box.

A further object of the invention is to devise a novel collapsible box which can be quickly assembled by moving inwardly opposite end. portions and folding the free end or ends into the box to form a double bottom, the upper bottom section being locked in a novel manner to retain it in assembled position.

A further object of the invention is to devise a novel box which can be formed from asingle sheet and folded to form collapsible side walls which are expanded when opposite side portions are moved inwardly, and such side portions are folded around the juxtaposed side walls and are secured in position in a novel manner.

With the above and other objects in view, as will hereinafter clearly appear, my invention comprehends a novel blank and a novelcollapsible box which can be formed therefrom.

It further comprehends a novel box formed from a single sheet which is foldable to form collapsible sides which are expanded by folding two end portions around opposite sides, and the end portions are locked with juxtaposed box portions to maintain the box formation.

Other novel features of construction and adand organization of these instrumentalities asl herein set forth. l

Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a box embodying my invention can be formed.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the box in collapsed condition.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the assembled box.

Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a plan view of a blank embodying my invention. l

Figure 6 is a. section on line 6 6 of Figure 9.

Figure 7 is a section on line 1-1 of Figure 9.'

Figure 8 is a perspective View of a partially completed box, formed from the blank seen in Figure 5.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a box formed from the blank seen in Figure 5. l Figure 10 is a plan view of anotherform of box blank embodying my invention. l

Figure 11 is a plan view of a partially completed box formed from the blank seen in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a plan view of Figure 11 with the 10 side walls collapsed.l

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a partially completed box formed from the blank seen in Figure 10.

Figure 14 is a plan View of another form of l5 blank embodying my invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a. box formed` from the blank seen in Figure 14.

Similar numerals of reference indicate correspending parts. 20

Referring to the drawings:

Referring first to the embodiment seen in Figs.

1 to 4 inclusive, I designates a blank embodying my invention which comprises a single sheet of material, such as, for example. papervcardboard, 25 or other desired material. The blank has extending transversely across it the weakened lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 1, which contribute to form a bottom flaps, an end ap 9, an end wall I0, a bottom wall Il, a second end wall I2, a second 30 end flap I3 and a second bottom flap I4. The bottom flap 8. is shorter than the end iiap 9 as shown in Fig. 1. The fiap I4 at the opposite end of the blank has a marginal portion removed as at I5 thus forming marginal locking projections 35 28 and 29 as will hereinafter be clearly explained. `The blank is provided with a longitudinally extending weakened line I6 which denes .a side wall Il. A slit I8 forms a continuation of the weakened line I6 and contributes to form a A40 locking tab I9 having a diagonally directed fold line 20 forming a bellows section 2|. The tab I9 is provided with a locking slot 22. The blank is also provided with a slit 23 forming a continuation of 'the weakened line I6 and contributing 45 to -form a locking tab .24 having a diagonally directed fold line 25fcrming a bellows section 26. The locking tab 24 is provided with a locking slot 21.v I

The blank is also provided with a longitudi- 50 nally extending weakened line 30 which defines a side wall 3|. A` slit 32 forming a continuation of the weakened line30, contributes to form a. locking tab 33 having a diagonally directed fold line 34 forming a bellows section 33. The tab 55 33 is provided with a locking slot 36. A slit 31 forms a continuation of the fold line 30 and contributes to form a locking tab 38 having a diagonally directed weakened line 39 forming a bellows section 40. The locking tab 38 is also provided with a locking slot 4I.

The slots 22, 21, 36, and 4I are directed in the same direction so that when the side walls I1 and 3| are bent upwardly the tabs I9 and 33 can be turned inwardly and interlocked and the inwardly turned tabs 24 and 38 so as to retain the side walls I1 and 3| in erect assembled posi# tion. It is, of course, to be understood that the locking tabs I9 and 33, and the locking tabs 24 and 38 may be secured together by adhesive or any other desired manner. y

Due to the provision of thediagonally directed fold lines 20, 25, 34, and 39, it will be apparent that the side walls and end walls can `be collapsed as shown in Fig. 2 so that the end flap I3 and the bottom flap I4 and also the bottom flap 8 and the end iiap 9 can be folded over to form a fiat collapsible package for shipping.

When the user desires to form the box he takes the collapsed blank as shown in Fig. 2, and lifts the end walls |0 and I2 upwardly, thereby causing the locking tabs I9 and 24 and theV side walls I1 and 3| to be also erected. The end ap 9 is now bent over the locking tabs I9 and 33, so that it is disposed vertically adjacent the inside face 2 of the locking tabs I9 and 33 with the locking ap 8 seating over the bottom wall II.

'Ihe end ap I3 is then bent over the locking tabs 24and 28 and folded downwardly to seat against the inside face thereof, and the bottom locking flap I4 is seated over the bottom wall II. The marginal locking projections 28 and 29 will extend around the ends of the bottom flap 8, as will be clearly understood by reference to Fig. 3. This forms avery strong box having a double bottom and two opposite walls have a three-ply construction as is apparent. The bottom flap 8 and the bottom iiap I4 form locking flaps and an auxiliary bottom.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6, '1, 8, and 9, there is shown a blank 42 forming another embodiment of my invention, which blank is formed from a single piece of sheet material. The blank has extending laterally across it the fold lines 43, 44, 45, 46, 41, and 48, which define the bottom flap 49, end flap 50, end wall` 5I, bottom 52, a second end wall 53, a second end ilap 54 and a second bottom ap 56.

The Vblank also has longitudinally extending fold lines 56 'and 51 which dene the side wall 58 and side flap 59. A slit 60 forms a continuation of the fold line 56 and contributes to form an end tab 6I so that the bottom nap 49, end ap 50 and end wall 5I are separated from the tab 6I. It will be seen that the marginal edges of the nap 50 and wall 5| are cut away on an incline, as at 62. The tab 6| has a diagonally extending weakened line 63 and the weakened line 45 extendsA through the side flap 59, to form bellows sections 64' and 65.

In a similar manner, a slit 66 forms a con-1 tinuation of the weakened line 56 and contributes to form a tab 61. The marginal portion of the end wall 53 and end flap54 are cut away at an angle, as at 69. The tab 61 has a diagonal weakened line forming bellows section ,64 and 6 5.

The blank is also provided with the longitudinally extending fold lines 10 and 1| which `define the side wall 12 and side iiap 13. A slit 14 contributes to form the tab 15. The tab 15 has a diagonally directed fold line 16 which contributes with the line 45 to form bellows sections 11 and 18. The marginal portions of the end flap 50 and end wall 5| are cut away at an angle, as at 19. A slit 80, forming a continuation of the weakened line 10 contributes to form a tab -8|.

The tab 8| is provided with adiagonally directed fold line 83 which contributes with the lines 45 to form bellows sections 84 and 85. The end Wall 53 and end flap 54 have their marginal edge cut away as indicated at 86. The tabs 15 and 8| are provided with adhesive`68 and 82 respectively, extending over their entire height.

In assembling the vcontainer the side flap 59 is .folded over the side wall 58 and the side flap 13 is folded Vin a similar manner inwardly over the side wall 12. The bellows sections 11 and 18 are thus brought together, as well as the bellows sections 65 and 64. The tabs 15 and 6| are then bent laterally and secured together over their entire height by means of the adhesive 68 and the tabs 61 and 8| are bent laterally andsecured together over their ventire height by the adhesive 82. The end wall 5| is bent upwardly and the end flap 50 is bent over'the wall 5|, the bottom iiap 49 being bent downwardly so that its opposite marginal portions will extend under and be retained by the side iiaps 59 and 13.

In a similar manner the end wall 53 is folded upwardly. The end iiap 54 is then bent inwardly over the end wall 53 and the bottom flap 55 bent downwardly so that its opposite marginal portions extend beneath the downwardly deflected side flaps 59 and 13 andtlock the end wall 53, end flap 54, bottom flap' 55, and tabs 61 and 8|, in assembled position. i

It will thus be seen that a double thickness of the bottom is provided, with two opposite sides of double thicknessvand the other two opposite sides of quadruple thickness so that a very strong bcx is provided.

It will be understood that this box is collapsible in a similar manner to that already described in reference to the other figures of the drawings due to the provision of the bellows sections 64, 65, 11, 18, 84, and 85.

Referring now to Figs. 10, 11, 12, and 13, there is shown another form of blank 81 embodying my invention. This blank is provided with transversely extending fold lines 68, 89, 90, 9|, 92, 93, and 94, which contribute vto form a bottom flap 95, an end flap 96, an end wall 91, a bottom wall 98, a second end wall 99, a second end flap |00, a second bottom ilap I0| and a section |82. The section |02 is provided with a cut out |03.

The blank is also provided with a foldv line |04 which denes a side wall |05. A slit |06 forms va continuation of the fold line |04 and contributes to form a tab |01 having a diagonally directed fold line |08 which contributes to form a bellows section |09. The tab |01 has a slit ||0 which opens through its inner side edge. A fold line III contributes to form a tab ||2 which is provided with a diagonally directed fold line II3 which contributes to form a bellows section I|4.

The tab |I2 is provided with a slot |I5 which- `its outer marginal edge. A slit |23 forming a continuation of the fold line. I I6 contributes to form a tab |24 having a diagonally directed weakened line |25 which contributes to form a bellows section |26. The tab |24 has a` slot |21 opening through its outer side edge. The tab |24 has a slot |21 opening through its outer side edge.

In this form of my inventionthe box is formed by folding the side walls |05 and I|1 upwardly and folding the tabs |01 and ||9 and the tabs |2 and |24 inwardly, the tabs |01 and ||9 inter locking with each other, and the tabs I2 and |24 interlocking with each other so that the parts appear as seen in Fig. 11. Due to the provision of the diagonally directed fold lines |08, H3, |20, and |25, the side walls can be collapsed as shown in Fig. 12, so that a flat collapsible package can be formed.

When the box is assembled the end walls 91 and 99 are bent upwardly thereby causing the side walls |05, ||1 and the tabs |01' and ||9 and ||2 and |24 to assume the position seen in Fig. 11.

The end flap 96 is then bent over the tabs |01 and ||9 and the bottom flap 95 positic ned along the bottom wall 98. The end flap Vis then bent over the tabs ||2 and |24 and the' bottom flap |0| positioned along the'bottom wall 90. f

In this form of collapsible box the bottom has double walls, two opposite side walls are of singleply construction and the other two opposite side walls are of three-ply construction.

In the form of my invention shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the blank |28 comprises a single piece of sheet material having the transversely extending fold lines |29, |30, |3|, |32, |33, and |34, which define a bottom iiap |35, an end flap |36, an end wall |31, a bottom wall |38, a second end wall |39, a second end nap |40 and a second bottom fia'p |4I. A fold line |42 extends longitudinally of the blank and denes a side wall |43. A fold line |44 defines a side flap |45, which had its corners cut away as at |46.

A fold line |41 contributes to form a tab |48 having a diagonally directed fold line |49 which contributes to form a bellows section |50. At

the opposite ends of the blank a fold line defines a tab |52 having a diagonally directed fold line |53 which contributes to form a bellows section "|54. A fold line |55 contributes to form a side wall |56, and a fold line |51 contributes`to form a side iiap |50 having the corners cut away as at |59. A slit |60 contributes to form a tab |6| having a diagonally disposed fold line |62 which contributes to form a bellows section |63. A slit |64 contributes to form a tab |65 having a diagonally directed fold line |66 which contributes to form a bellows section |61.

In forming the box the tabs |48 and |6| and the tabs |52 and |65 are bent laterally and secured together. The side iiap |45 is turned inwardly against the inside face of the side wall |43 and secured to it in any desired manner, for example, by a clip |68. In a similar manner, the side iiap |50 is bent inwardly over the side wall |56 and secured to it by a clip |68. The end wall |31 is bent upwardly and the end ap |36 is bent over the tabs |48 and |6|. The opposite ends of the bottom flap |35 extend beneath the shoulders formed by the cut outs |46 and |59 so that they are locked in place. In a similar manner the end wall |39 is bent upwardly and the end ap |40 is bent over the tabs |52 and |65 and the bottom flap |4| is bent downwardly to engage the bottom wall |38 and its tree ends engage the shoulders formedby the cut outs |46 and |59. f

In this form of my invention a box is formed in which two opposite sidewalls are of double thickness and the other two opposite side walls are of triple thickness, the bottom wall being of single thickness. f

In all the forms of my invention as herein shown, I form from a single blank of sheet material a collapsible box in which the sides are collapsed and by moving two walls towards each other the side walls of the inner box are raised vertically and the free marginal portions of the blank are folded over and preferably interlocked with walls of the box.

I am aware that it has heretofore been proposed in the Gross Patent No. 1,690,109 to make a collapsible or knockdcwn box in which there are connections between the side flaps and end flaps for raising the side flaps and holding them in operative position when the end iiaps are raised. My present invention clearly differentiates from such construction since in all of the embodiments herein shown the side flaps and end flaps are not connected, and it is the pressure of the foldable end flaps when the ends of the blank are raised which forms the sole means for expanding the collapsed sides into their perpendicular positions.

It will now be apparent that I have devised new and useful foldable boxes and blanks therefor which embodies the features of advantage enumerated as desirable in the statement of the invention and the above description, and while I have, in the present instance, shown and described preferred embodiments thereof which will give in practice satisfactory and reliable results, it i`s to be understood that these embodiments are susceptible of modication in various particulars Without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages.

For the purpose of clarity and convenience of reference, certain of the upstanding walls of the containers have been designated as side walls and others as end walls. and corresponding walls in each modification` have been similarly designated. Since any desired relative lengths of the upstanding walls may be selected without departing from the invention, it is to be understood that the expressions end wall and side wall are not to be taken as designations of the relative lengths of the walls, and that the end wall may be either longer or shorter than the side wall.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A collapsible box including a bottom wall, side walls connected with the bottom wall, end walls connected with the bottom wall, side locking tabs connected with the side walls, end iiaps connected with the end walls and foldable inwardly, and a bottom iiap connected with one of said end iiaps, said side locking tabs having creased lines to provide for the collapsing of the side locking tabs, said bottom flap when positioned to overlie said bottom wall extending beneath the juxtaposed end fiap.

2. A collapsible box, including a bottom wall, side walls, side locking tabs connected with the side walls to form a four-wall construction rising from said bottom wall and having weakened lines to render such construction collapsible, outer end walls connected with the bottom wall, inner end aps connected with said outer end walls, a bottom locking flap connected with one of said inner end flaps and having its free end extending beneath the juxtaposed inner end flap at the opposite end of the box when folded against said bottom wall.

3. A box adapted to be shipped and stored in collapsed knockdown condition and set up by the user, including a bottom wall, end walls, end flaps extending therefrom, collapsible side walls, tension tabs connecting said side walls, fold lines extending across said tabs permitting collapse of said side walls and said tabs, a compression ilap hinged to each of said end walls adapted to be manipulated to engage said side walls and cooperate with said tension tabs to retain the side walls in rigid erect containing position, and a bottom nap hinged to one of said end flaps and having its free end extending beneath the juxtaposed end iiap at the opposite side of the box when folded against said bottom wall.

4. A collapsible box, including a bottom wall, s. plurality of upstanding walls extending from the edges of said bottom wall, side locking tabs connecting said upstanding walls to form a fourwall construction rising from said bottom wall and having weakened lines to render such construction collapsible, flaps connected with certain of said upstanding walls, a bottom locking iiap connected with one of said flaps and having itl free end extending beneath the juxtaposed ilap at the opposite side of the box when folded against said bottom wall.

' WILLIAM A. RINGLER. 

